Senior Optical Systems Engineer H/F - Quandela

Quandela is a European start up that provides photonic quantum computers that are modular, scalable, energy-efficient and accessible both on the cloud and on premise.

Our team of 85 employees, specialises in the development of both software and hardware solutions for a variety of quantum applications. We offer a wide range of services, from developing the most efficient and brightest single photons sources, to creating algorithms for quantum computers and providing cloud quantum computing solutions.

Quandela plays a pivotal role as a strategic partner in the quantum transformation of industrial sectors such as energy, finance, pharmaceuticals, and transportation. Furthermore, we are esteemed collaborators within the academic and research community.

• Following a successful €50 million fundraising in 2023, we are now scaling up our commercial ventures alongside our ongoing research endeavors.
• Quandela has been chosen to participate in the French Tech 2030 program, which aims to bolster French companies pioneering groundbreaking innovations.

About Quandela:

Quandela is a global leader in quantum computing, designing, building, and delivering cutting-edge quantum solutions for research and industry. Its offerings include the most energy-efficient quantum computers for data centers, full-stack quantum computing solutions accessible via the cloud, and algorithm access services for academic and industrial customers. Following a pragmatic, step-by-step roadmap, Quandela has been deploying industrial-grade systems since 2023 while developing future generations of fault-tolerant quantum computers capable of scaling through the integration of thousands of photonic components. Quandela is committed to making quantum computing accessible to all in order to address the most complex industrial and societal challenges.
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About this position:

You will join the QPU Prototyping team, which develops and integrates the optical systems at the heart of Quandela's quantum processors, turning advanced R&D experiments into operational hardware.

We are looking for a Senior Optical Systems Engineer to take ownership of a major optical development work package within our next-generation QPU programme.

Your main challenge will be to maximise optical transmission and system performance, from experimental characterisation and precision alignment to qualification and integration. You'll tackle complex optical challenges, defining the right experimental approaches and driving solutions from investigation to validation.

You will also coordinate technical activities involving several engineers and scientists, ensuring the delivery of critical milestones.

This is a predominantly hands-on experimental role, combining deep technical expertise with project ownership.

Benefits

Join a multidisciplinary team developing the optical systems for next-generation quantum processors, with substantial experimental ownership and opportunities for technical progression.

• Competitive compensation aligned with experience.
• Company savings plan and profit-sharing.
• 100% health coverage through Alan.
• Transport reimbursement or sustainable mobility bonus.
• Swile meal vouchers.
• Gymlib and childcare support.
• Referral programme.

Process

• Talent Acquisition interview (30-45 min)
• Hiring Manager interview (45-60 min)
• Technical discussion on previous experimental work
• Technical case study or presentation with the team
• Reference checks
• Team meeting
• Offer

Beyond that:

At Quandela, we value diverse scientific and engineering backgrounds, practical curiosity and the ability to learn from different fields.

Whether your experience comes from an academic laboratory, industrial R&D or a different area of experimental optics, we'd love to hear from you if you enjoy tackling demanding technical challenges and turning experimental work into reliable results.

What you'll do:

Develop and optimise optical systems

• Design, assemble, align and operate complex optical setups.
• Characterise optical transmission, identify losses and improve efficiency.
• Define measurement methods and improve stability and reproducibility.
• Troubleshoot experimental challenges and implement reliable solutions.

Qualify and integrate optical subsystems

• Optimise research-developed optical subsystems for QPU integration.
• Define experimental tests, performance targets and qualification procedures.
• Collaborate with optics, electronics and system integration teams.

Drive technical delivery

• Own technical deliverables within a major optical development project.
• Coordinate experimental activities across engineers and scientists.
• Plan tasks, milestones, equipment and laboratory resources.
• Anticipate technical risks, resolve blockers and guide contributors.

The role combines approximately 80% hands-on experimental work and 20% technical coordination, with no initial requirement for formal people management.
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How you'll grow:

First 3 months: Become familiar with Quandela's optical systems, experimental infrastructure and qualification objectives.

Within 6 months: Take ownership of optical characterisation and optimisation activities, coordinating experimental work and technical milestones.

Within 12 months: Lead the technical delivery of complex optical developments, with increasing autonomy over planning and resources.

Longer term: Potential progression towards technical team leadership as the team grows.

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Requirements

What we're looking for:

We are looking for an experienced optical engineer or experimental scientist with strong hands-on expertise and the ability to drive complex technical projects.

Relevant backgrounds include fibered optical systems, laser systems, experimental optics, and optical metrology. Academic and industrial experience are equally welcome.

Must-have:

• PhD in Optics, Photonics, Physics or related fields.
• >5 years of experimental experience, including postdoctoral research.
• Hands-on expertise in complex optical systems, alignment and troubleshooting.
• Strong knowledge of linear optics, optical transmission and precision metrology.
• Proven ability to optimise optical performance and solve experimental challenges.
• Experience organising technical work and delivering project milestones.
• Experimental rigour, teamwork and professional English. French is not required.

Important, but you can grow here:

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